PARK RANGER - 37002219

Requisition No: 868576 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002219

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002219 

Salary:  $2,896.67/month $34,760.00/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37002219)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Homosassa, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency by any of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

This is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration and protection of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This position is assigned to the Wildlife Care operation of the Park.

VISITOR SERVICES – Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Prepares and/or provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and unit specific services as directed.

MAINTENANCE – Constructs, clean, maintains and repairs captive wildlife exhibits, park grounds, facilities and equipment utilizing appropriate tools and equipment. Makes routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Cares for captive wildlife. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the Park. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Collects and records resource management data.

ADMINISTRATION – Prepares forms and reports on captive wildlife as well as wide range of subjects. Answers telephone, operates park radio and various office equipment including a computer, and maintains related logs. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established Division procedures.

PROTECTION – Performs routine patrols and takes appropriate action to ensure captive wildlife and visitor safety and adherence to Park rules; ensures adherence to Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Animal husbandry principles and techniques

General maintenance and repair techniques

SKILLS IN:

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Accurately preparing reports

Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner

Utilize a computer

Wildlife husbandry techniques

Wildlife capture and restraint

ABILITY TO:

Conduct routine inspections

Identify, assess and investigate problems related to animal husbandry

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Prepares reports

Understand and apply rules and regulations

Maintain facilities and equipment

Operates two-way radio

Perform manual labor including lifting animals, supplies and materials

Work independently and exercise good judgment

Conduct interpretive programs on a daily basis

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Completion of Ranger Academy

Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

$2,896.67/monthly

$34,760.00/annually

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa FL 34446

When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it “the most beautiful river and springs in the world.” In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn’t changed much. A unique underwater structure, the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to "walk underwater" beneath the spring's surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim about. Gaze down into the depths of the first-magnitude spring and perhaps catch a glimpse of fish and manatees in their natural habitat. The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity. The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species, providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.